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One week after representatives of the NHL and the players union last sat face-to-face in New York, the two sides haven't even held informal talks and no negotiations are planned.

With no end in sight for the lockout, ources say NHL Players' Association executive director Donald Fehr has been told by commissioner Gary Bettman not to return to the bargaining table unless the union is willing to move on a salary rollback and a smaller portion of revenues.

While many view the players' mass exodus for Europe early in the dispute as a sign the whole season could be lost, Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson put up a brave face before the club's charity golf tournament Wednesday.

"I don't think anybody really wants to lose the whole season, certainly not," Molson told the Montreal media. "It's early in the process. I'm optimistic and hopeful every day. That would be a real disappointment for everybody (to cancel the season).

"It's in my nature to be optimistic. The intent of the NHL, the owners and Gary Bettman is to be optimistic and to try hard to come to an agreement. I'm convinced that Gary Bettman is going through that process and trying to reach an agreement."

The show went on at the Royal Montreal without the presence of the players. The Habs invited alumni because management has been told not to mix with members of the roster until the matter has been settled with a new collective bargaining agreement in place.

As the only owner who has spoken publicly since the lockout officially started Saturday at 11:59 p.m., Molson had to choose his words carefully because saying the wrong thing could mean losing draft picks or hefty fines.

Under the rules of the NHL board of governors, owners are allowed to speak in general terms about the CBA negotiations if they talk at all. Molson is viewed by many in the NHL as a "dove" who'd rather be playing.

"I don't think I'm the only one," Molson said. "I think the whole province (of Quebec) would rather see hockey and not have to go through this."

Although Molson said he's on board with the NHL governors, he made no bones about the fact he'd rather have the players at the golf tournament and preparing to go on the ice for Day 1 of camp.

"It's early. I continue to hope for the best and hope that we can reach an agreement," Molson said. "(Bettman) is leading that process for the 30 teams and every day counts. At the same time, it is early and I continue to hope for the best.

"All 30 teams are very well informed. We had a meeting last week as a group and spent a lot of time discussing and receiving information."

Molson said he has had plenty of feedback from fans who are unhappy.

"The overwhelming message from fans: 'Let's play hockey. Let's get out there and let's hope that we can bring hockey back to the fans as soon as possible," he said.

That doesn't sound like it will happen anytime soon especially if the two sides aren't sitting in the same room trying to get a deal done.